Arlington Board OKs Lyon Park Community House Expansion, Renovation

The Arlington County Board voted unanimously Saturday to waive certain zoning requirements and issue a use permit that will allow for the expansion and renovation of the Lyon Park Community House.

The house, at 414 N. Fillmore St., was built in 1925 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, according to an Arlington County news release.

The proposed renovations include adding more than 1,000 square feet to the facility, bringing it to a total of 3,436 square feet, plus modernizing the kitchen, upgrading the heating, electrical and plumbing systems, adding handicap-accessible bathrooms and a new sunroom, and landscaping, the release states.

The Lyon Park Citizens Association for the anticipated $700,000 project.

“Since the 1920’s the Community House and park have been important focal points for our neighborhood,” association president Elliot Mandel said in a statement. “The planned expansion builds on the foundation given to us by our predecessors by providing needed upgrades and improvements while respecting the historic context of the existing building and preserving our beloved park. We greatly appreciate the County Board's approval of the project.”

The house has no on-site parking and about 30 spaces on nearby streets. The board agreed to waive parking requirements in granting the use permit Saturday. In return, the association must distribute parking handouts with rental agreements, and encourage carpooling with events that have more than 50 people.

The renovated house will be able to accommodate up to 150 people.

“We are excited to see neighbors working together to bring this project to fruition,” Arlington County Board Chairwoman Mary Hynes said in a statement. “This project ensures that the community center, a historic and much-loved gathering space for Lyon Park, will continue to serve many generations to come.”